Chesapeake native named Senior Sailor of the Quarter while serving at Guantanamo Bay

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (Oct 29, 2024) – Petty Officer 1st Class Shannan Moore, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, was recently selected as Senior Sailor of the Quarter (SSOQ), fourth quarter, while serving with U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

SSOQ is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-6. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.

“It’s such an honor to be selected as the Senior Sailor of the Quarter for fourth quarter fiscal year 2024,” said Moore. “With only 4 months onboard, I never would’ve thought to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve put in in such a short amount of time. Fresh from the fleet, I wanted to be able to bring back a little bit of the ship life to our corpsmen at the hospital through mentorship and training.”

Moore, a 2011 Grassfield High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago. Additionally, Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in community health from George Mason University in 2015 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.

“My father served 23 years in the Navy and I joined to continue his legacy,” said Moore. “I also wanted opportunities to travel the world. The Navy has allowed me to see countries I’ve never thought I’d been able to see. Bahrain has been my favorite place to see so far, and I’m hoping to see so much more in the next 15 years.”The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesapeake.

“‘Hometown’ for me has a different definition than most, but as I’ve moved around from place to place, I’ve learned the importance of family and friendships,” said Moore. “I’ve run into many people from various chapters of my life while in the Navy and I’ve realized there’s always a home away from home.”

Today, Moore serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

NMRTC focuses on three critical mission priorities: warfighter readiness, medical force generation and supporting the delivery of high-quality health care at Naval Medical Center at Guantanamo Bay.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Moore serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Moore has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.”I will never forget the time I was named the Destroyer Squadron ONE Junior Sailor of the Year in 2022,” said Moore. “Not only were my hard work and accomplishments recognized by my ship but also by the entire squadron. One thing that helped with earning that title was being the Junior Enlisted Association president in which I was able to lead many junior sailors in achieving their goals. That is what I feel most proud of.”

Moore can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy allows me to carry on my family legacy,” said Moore. “My entire life the Navy was all I’ve ever known, but I always knew there was a bigger world out there, and that the Navy can give so many opportunities to see it all.”

Moore is grateful to others for making a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank both my mom and dad for their endless support in my Navy career,” added Moore.
“My dad has not only been a great support system, but an amazing mentor to my achievements. Without his knowledge and experience, I would not be the sailor I am today.”

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach